The Supporters' Shield race is now down to a two-way battle heading into Decision Day presented by AT&T.
The league-leading Philadelphia Union lost 2-1 in Columbus in Week 22 and their immediate pursuers Toronto FC took advantage (2-1 win vs. Inter Miami) to catch them in the standings, ensuring that the best team of the 2020 regular season will only be confirmed on Sunday. Philly only lead on a secondary tiebreaker.
Victory for the Crew on Sunday kept them alive in the Shield race only for a 2-1 loss to Orlando City SC on Wednesday to knock them out of contention. Also on Wednesday, the Portland Timbers' slim hopes of taking the best overall record were ended with a 1-0 home loss to the Colorado Rapids.
The winner will be determined based on points per game given that MLS teams are set to play an even number of regular season matches. If teams are even on points per game, (a) wins per game and (b) goals differential per game are the first and second tiebreakers, respectively. If Toronto and Philly both lose, all four could be even on points per game and wins per game. The decider in a 2-way, 3-way or 4-way tie would be the goal differential per game.
The top regular season team receives a financial bonus, an automatic berth to the Concacaf Champions League (U.S.-based clubs only), and, perhaps most importantly, top seed and homefield advantage throughout the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The Shield, an award created by the supporters, is presented to the best regular season team.
Two-team race for 2020 Shield
1. Philadelphia Union
- Points per game: 44 points in 22 games (2points per game)
- Matches remaining: 1 (11/8 vs. NE)
- Points per game minimum/maximum: 1.91 to 2.04
- Tiebreakers (current): 0.59 wins/game, +1 goal differential/game
2. Toronto FC
- Points per game: 44 points in 22 games (2points per game)
- Matches remaining: 1 (11/8 @ RBNY)
- Points per game minimum/maximum: 1.91 to 2.04
- Tiebreakers (current): 0.59 wins/game, +0.36 goal differential/game
